THE CHURCHES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2182, 31 March 1891, Page 2

THE CHURCHES.

JERALDINE. ST. maet's in the btjsh,

On Sunday a special Easter sermon was preached in the Roman Catholic Church by the Itev. Father Treacy. The main and side altars were decorated with flowers. The Missa Cantata and Webb's Mass in Gr were sung, the offertory being " Regina Coeli, Lsetare." The rev. gentleman took for his text the words " Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He is risen ; He is not here; behold the place where thgy laid Hiin"— Mark xvi., 6. He preached an appropriate and eloquent sermon, pointing out that the resurrection of Christ was the ground and foundation of our Faith, and also a symbol of our resurrection from a life of sin to a life in Christ, and that we should all rise again. At the conclusion of the Bermon the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was celebiated. Notwithstanding that the moraine; was damp there was a large congregation. The hymns had been very carefully practised by the choir, and added greatly to the enjoyment of the service. Mrs Willoughby presided at the organ.

ST. MAHY'S. At this church an appropriate Easter service was conducted by the Rev. Jas. Preston, incumbent. As is usual at Eastertide the church was profusely decorated with ferns, evergreens, flowers, <fcc. On the altar was a large and handsome cross of lilies and geraniums upon a ground of oak leaves. On the wall on the right was a beautiful triangle of lilies, while on the left was a handsome cross of dahlias on a ground of leaves. Two large bunches of dahlias also stood upon the the altar. The lectern and reading-desk were tastefully decorated, and also the lamps, window-sills, &c. The organ was wreathed with garlands of flowers and evergreens, while in the corner behind it was arranged a mass of evergreens, variegated leaves, holly, Ac. In all the decorations holly and the bright red berries of the sweet {mar were plentifully used, while the

yellow autumn leaves of the silver poplar were tastefully worked in., and added greatly to the pleasing effect of the whole. One of the most handsome decorations in the church was that upon the baptismal font. It was covered from top to bottom with rich green moss and tiny ferns, and being surmounted with a wreath of white flowers looked extremely pretty. The lessons were read by Br Fish. Mr Preston took as his text the words contatned in part of the 19th verse of 1 the 26th chapter of Isaiah, "Thy dead men shall live together; with My dead body shall they arise." The service was especially appropriate to Eaßter Sunday, special Easter hymns being sung. Miss A. Fish presided at the organ. PMMITITE METHODIST CHITECH. At this church, which was also decorated, the Eev, W. C. Wood preached on Sunday morning, the service being one appropriate to Easter Sunday.

TEMUKA. ST. JOSEPH'S OHUECH. ' St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church was beautifully decorated —principally with elaborate artificial flowers and gold-worked lace—for the festival of Ji'aster. Its appearance is so well known that it needs no comment. Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Fauvel at 8 o'clock, and a Solemn High Mass at 10 o'clock, the congregations being large. The rev. gentleman preached a practical sermon bearing on the feast. The choir's excellent renditions equalled any of those given since the opening of the new church. Before Mass the " Resurrection Hymn " and " Tidi Aquam " were sung, The " Kyrie " and " Gloria " were from Est's Mass, " Credo" from Winter's Mass, and " Sanctus " and " Agnus Dei " from Bordese's Mass. Before the G-ospel " O Filii et Filise" was rendered. The Offertory piece was one of Labat de Serene's elaborate compositions, " Regina Cceli, Lsetare." This was given in three parts, and the effect was really splendid. The manner in which the parts in this and the other items were sustained was very creditable to Father Aubry's tuition. Two voluntaries were also rendered, and after Mass a " Grand March " by the famous composer Haydn. In the evening Solemn Vespers were sung. At the Benediction the choir sang the " O Salutaris " and " Tantum Ergo " from St. Mary's Service, The " Litany" was from the Parochial Hymn Book, a very able composition in four parts by Father Police, and this was very effective. The " Regina Cceli " was again rendered with equal Buccess. Miss Quinn presided at the organ at both services, and contributed substantially to the choir's success.

ST. sayioue's chttbch. At St. Saviour's Church, Temuka, in addition to the special service for Easter Day, Harvest Thanksgiving services were held. The church was beautifully and appropriately de. corated and presented an unusually effective appearance. There was a very large attendance at the morning service, which was conducted by the incumbent, the Rev. T. a. Hamilton, and a number of Church members came in from outlying country districts. The sermon was a specially appropriate one, from the text " Oh that men would therefore praise the Lord and declare His benefits which He doeth for the children of men." The hymns were well chosen, and the anthem, "The Earth is the Lord's," was nicely rendered by the choir. In the afternoon a service was held at the Maori Pah, the church being crowded with an appreciative congregation- In the evening the service was conducted by feir Wm. Blunden. There was again a good attendance. Special services were also held in the evening at St. John the Evangelist's, Winchester, the Rev. T. A. Hamilton officiating, The church, which was crowded, was decorated in a most artistic manner. The number of communicants at the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, which was administered at each service was as follows :—Temuka 57, Winchester 33, and at the Pah 13.

PLEASANT POINI,

ST. MART'S

This neat little church presented an extremely impressive appearance on Easter Sunday, Two lateral altars have just been erected iu the church by the Sisters of theKerrytown Convent, and it is endeavored to make it a near approach to St. Joseph's Church. Ihe work has been done in a most skilful manner, There are some fine specimens of the painter's art to be seen on the front portion of the altars, and these, too, are the work of one of the Sisters. The whole reflects great credit on them. The decorations were elaborate, and consisted of flowers, evergreens, etc. High Mass was celebrated by the Eev. Father Aubry at 10 o'clock, the church being crowded. The choir, which is noted for its sweet singing, rendered Est's " Eyrie " and "Gloria," Winter's "Credo," and Bordese's " Sanctus " and " Agnus Dei." Labat de Serene's " Uegina Coali, Lsetare," was also sung, as were several other hymns suitable to the festival.

It may be mentioned in connection with this church that the Eev. Father Aubry, who has the charge of this portion of the parish, has been working very hard to wipe off the debt on the church, which amounted to £2OO, On Sunday last the rev. gentleman succeeded in obtaining contributions

to the amount of £ll2 to this fund. There are also promises to the extent of £3O, and Father Aubry expects to fully clear off the remaining debt in|a Bhort time.